Preacher, actor and singer writes gospel music play

Cast members JJ Dae, right, and Graham Williams practice a intense scene of the play "What they don't know." (Ben Earp / The Star)

By Jackie Bridges / Staff Writer

Published: Friday, August 23, 2013 at 08:16 AM.

TyVin McSwain is no stranger when it comes to singing, speaking and performing on stage, but the 23-year-old was ready for a new challenge.

McSwain, a Shelby High School graduate, is the founder of Y.E.S. (Youth/Young Adults Experiencing Success) Ministries. He started writing about four years ago, and in September 2013, he was inspired to write his own gospel play.

“I’ve been in shows for the past 11 years, traveling to different cities in North and South Carolina,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to direct a show. Being on stage is so much fun, I wanted to see the other side.”

The play, “What They Don’t Know,” is about relationships, betrayal and victory.

“It’s about three women in their mid-30s,” he said. “They grew up together; went to school and college together and went their separate ways.”

One friend becomes ill, and her sickness brings them all back together again. The women have issues to work through as they reconnect with each other.

“This play came from God,” McSwain said. “I did not outline this story. I wrote it as I heard it.”

TyVin McSwain is no stranger when it comes to singing, speaking and performing on stage, but the 23-year-old was ready for a new challenge.

McSwain, a Shelby High School graduate, is the founder of Y.E.S. (Youth/Young Adults Experiencing Success) Ministries. He started writing about four years ago, and in September 2013, he was inspired to write his own gospel play.

“I’ve been in shows for the past 11 years, traveling to different cities in North and South Carolina,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to direct a show. Being on stage is so much fun, I wanted to see the other side.”

The play, “What They Don’t Know,” is about relationships, betrayal and victory.

“It’s about three women in their mid-30s,” he said. “They grew up together; went to school and college together and went their separate ways.”

One friend becomes ill, and her sickness brings them all back together again. The women have issues to work through as they reconnect with each other.

“This play came from God,” McSwain said. “I did not outline this story. I wrote it as I heard it.”

Actress Ranata Wingo, of Kings Mountain, is Mrs. Gentry in the play. Her character is a caring person who motivates and encourages the others.

“I’m excited about this play,” she said. “It is going to be something everybody can relate to, and it will touch many lives.”

The 32-year-old Wingo has been in several gospel productions. After four months of rehearsals, the cast of “What They Don’t Know,” has become like family, she said.

“We have grown together and look forward to coming together when we rehearse,” Wingo said.

Jessica Allen, 25, of Mooresboro, is the newcomer to the stage. She plays Katherine, one of the friends of the sick woman.

“This is my first time to be in the spotlight,” Allen said. “It’s been different. I’m not being me on stage; I’m being someone else.”

She said her fellow cast members gave her guidance and support through rehearsals.

“It’s been an awesome experience,” she said. “They are so warm and welcoming.”

Allen said the play is too good to miss.

“‘What They Don’t Know’ is the name of the play,” she said. “Come and find out what you don’t know.”

McSwain said the story emphases the importance of relationships.

“I want people to see there is always hope at the end of the road,” he said. “No matter what goes on in life, there are some relationships worth fighting for, and some are like a virus — you have to let them go.”

Want to go?

“What They Don’t Know,” a gospel stage play, will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday at Malcolm Brown Auditorium on the campus of Shelby High School, 230 E. Dixon Blvd., Shelby. Doors open at 6 p.m.